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All United States Indiana Indianapolis

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Indianapolis

20 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Indianapolis, Indiana

Updated January 31, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Indianapolis

Well-maintained catacombs exist to this day under the popular City Market

Indianapolis, Indiana

Market Street Catacombs

A hidden network of subterranean passageways lies tangled beneath Indianapolis' bustling City Market.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indiana Medical History Museum

A medical facility that has been kept frozen in time.
The Ruins

Indianapolis, Indiana

The Ruins

Once adorning a New York skyscraper, these reclaimed ruins now haunt an Indiana park.
A plaque marks the location of this unique tree

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Moon Tree

A 30-year-old Sycamore tree grown from a seed taken to the moon and back.
"Twisted House"

Indianapolis, Indiana

'Twisted House'

Nature and art meet in this curvy creation
The entryway guiding your way through.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Healer

This former office building has been transformed into an immersive music venue and art space.
John Dillinger's grave.

Indianapolis, Indiana

John Dillinger's Grave

The body of one of the world's most famous outlaws is covered in cement and iron to prevent it from being stolen.
The marble aviary.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Allison Mansion

This elaborate estate contains a stunning marble aviary, a sunken conservatory, and a magnificent music room with a two-story pipe organ.
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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

5 Incredible Trees You Can Find Only in Indiana

Once upon a time, the forests of Indiana were endless. Or that was how it seemed in the 19th century, when the state produced more lumber than anywhere else in the nation. The valuable trees went first, such as black walnut and white oak. The scrubby leftovers were often burned to create farmland. At the start of European settlement, 90 percent of what is now Indiana was forest. That number plummeted to a measly 6 percent by 1922. While the forests have significantly recovered, there are still only about 2,000 acres of old-growth forest left in the state. Yet trees hold a hallowed place here. One town has graciously allowed a tree to grow on its courthouse roof for more than a hundred years. In many graveyards, markers are fashioned to look like stumps and branches. Read on for five woody wonders of Indiana, all rooted deeply in their communities. As the pandemic continues, we hope this virtual trip helps you explore America’s wonders. If you do choose to venture out, please follow all guidelines, maintain social distance, and wear a mask.

View Itinerary
Some Indiana trees have even been to the moon.

Explore Indianapolis, Indiana

Sculptures 3

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Stories About Indianapolis

Kurt Vonnegut’s typewriter, at the former Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library space.

The New Vonnegut Museum Could Only Have Ever Been in Indianapolis

The author had a love-hate relationship with his hometown.
by Susan Salaz
September 19, 2019
John Dillinger's headstone, chipped by souvenir hunters.

John Dillinger Is Long Dead and Somehow Still a Troublemaker

Mysteries and theories still surround the outlaw's death and burial in Indiana, 85 years later.
by Isaac Schultz
September 11, 2019
The Chin Brothers Restaurant and Grocery serves as a community and culinary hub.

The Burmese Restaurant at the Heart of 'Chindianapolis'

In Indiana, a restaurant and grocery store offers refugees a taste of home.
by Mar Nwe Aye and Charlotte Chadwick
December 13, 2018

Found: Hidden Golden Toilets With a Political Message

Some puckish politico has placed them across Indiana.
by Sarah Laskow
May 3, 2017

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